Chapter 28 #2
“Ty made me your seven-layer cookie recipe when he and Hank gave me a tour of the ranch. They’re delicious,” Scarlett said, placing the napkins beside the plates.
“He did?” Cherise exclaimed. “And you met the infamous Hank?”
“Mom,” Ty warned. “Can you take the wine glasses to the table?”
“You have two hands. I’m speaking with Scarlett,” his mother sassed. “Why don’t you sit by me? What do you plan to do once you’re released from the hospital? Will you return home?”
“I…I’m not entirely sure. The town has grown on me. Since I don’t know when they plan to let me escape, I’m taking one day at a time,” Scarlett admitted, fidgeting with the utensils.
“Oh, Serenity has a lot to offer a young woman like you. The people take care of one another here. It’s not often you find that trait these days,” Cherise encouraged.
“Leo has invited her to interview for a position on the team,” Ty offered.
“How nice. Have you given it much thought? Edie, Carol, and Maddie often talk about their boys. There’s no denying they love those men like their own.
I visited the community center a few times, and I know Barb and Debbie feel the same way.
I feel awful about poor Debbie. Did you know her?
” Cherise asked as Ty set things on the table.
“She took me under her wing when I worked at the center. Debbie loved providing meals for the seniors and needy families. Ty and I went to Kassie’s, and they’re making food out of the hospital’s kitchen until they figure out the building situation.”
“I can’t imagine how crowded it must be there with Randy cooking for all the patients,” Cherise said. “Those women must be grieving, and they’re still providing for others. It’s time this town backed them up.”
“We discussed how this town goes directly to the Winters when they have an issue. It’s as if they’ve forgotten how to help themselves,” Ty said, sitting. “Scarlett, what can I get you to eat?”
“May I have a piece of quiche and the caprese salad?” she asked, handing him her plate.
“Do you want a small glass of wine, or I have limoncello for after brunch with dessert?”
“I’ll wait,” she said, while waiting for Ty to pass her plate.
“I placed your quiche at nine and salad at three. Please let me know if you want any more. Mom, may I get you anything? It seems as if you helped yourself to a corner piece of my lemon cake,” he chastised.
“I can’t help it if you took too long to put brunch on the table. I needed something to tide me over. You can keep your eggs. I want some mashed potatoes and beef tips with gravy. It’s the only reason I come to visit you,” she teased.
“Do you want wine?” he asked.
“I’ll stick with this drink. When I spoke with you this morning on the phone, you mentioned Scarlett spent the night due to some issue on the mountain. What happened?”
“A man broke into Scarlett’s cabin. Her friend, Sledge, got shot,” Ty told her.
“Oh my dear. How are you holding up?” Cherise dropped her fork, grasping Scarlett’s right hand.
“I’m fine. I spoke with his wife this morning. As much as I’d like to see him, Sledge felt good enough to tell me to stay put,” Scarlett squeezed her hand. “He saved me when the man tried to choke me.”
Ty reached across the table, and his thumb caressed the back of her hand.
“Tell me you’re keeping her here,” his mother exclaimed. “I can’t imagine why anyone might want to hurt you. You’re a sweet little thing.”
“She’s staying here with me,” he assured her.
Ty’s phone rang and he excused himself from the table to answer it.
“Eat up, Scarlett. We’re not letting our food grow cold. His business constantly interrupts when I’m here,” Cherise coaxed.
“He’s a busy man. I didn’t realize he ran this ranch and operated the restaurant,” she said, cutting the quiche.
“He’s too busy. My son enjoys his ranch, and it’s too bad he doesn’t have a reason to come home more often,” Cherise hinted.
“We’re friends. He’s a sweet man and I’ve enjoyed spending time with him,” Scarlett said, hoping to calm the woman’s matchmaking ideas down.
“Scarlett, you’re friend, Rocker, will arrive in ten minutes,” Ty said sharply. “He wants to ensure your safety.”
Scarlett heard the coldness in his tone. “I’ll call him back. He doesn’t need to check on me.” She set down her fork and pushed away from the table.
“He’s on his way. Sledge informed him of your whereabouts. I’ll set an extra plate and he can join us for brunch,” Ty said gruffly.
“Let him see you’re all right,” Cherise added. “Ty knows how protective brothers in the military get. This Rocker fellow sounds like he’s worried about his friend.”
Scarlett wished to see Ty’s face. He didn’t reply to his mom’s edict, and his warm and friendly voice seemed strained.
A few minutes later, Rocker beat on the door instead of ringing the doorbell. Ty swore under his breath and scooted his chair back to welcome his guest.
“Don’t worry. They’re sizing each other up. I’ll give you a play-by-play,” Cherise whispered.
Scarlett snorted.
“Shhh, you’ll give me away. Oh, my. You have some handsome friends. This boy has some muscles,” Cherise said, fanning herself. “Oh, he’s puffed out his chest like a big rooster. Ty’s giving him the business. That’s right, son. You tell him,” she said, watching the scene.
“I need to separate them,” Scarlett sighed, pushing back her chair.
“You will not,” Cherise bossed. “They’re grown men. I haven’t enjoyed this much excitement in a long time. Oh, there goes my boy, he’s rolling up his sleeves. He means business now.”
“Oh, geez,” Scarlett muttered.
“The Rocker man took a step back. He’s listening now. See, he has some common sense. If he didn’t, my Ty would’ve wiped the floor with him by now.”
“I don’t want them to fight. Rocker’s got a hot temper, and I imagine my late-night phone call put him on edge,” Scarlett explained, biting her lip.
“Nope. I think it was Ty hearing you call him a friend that did it. It’s only my opinion, dear.
I know you can’t see, but you’ll need to pay a bit more attention to your surroundings,” Cherise gently chastised her.
“My son seems besotted by you. You appear comfortable around him, too. Putting him in the friend category will surely backfire on you. I suggest you get yourself out of hot water without involving your friend.”
“How do I do that? I didn’t ask Rocker to show up here,” she exclaimed.
“We’ll sit and have a civilized conversation and let those boys simmer down. This might provide some entertainment. Stay here,” she ordered.
“Ty, invite your friend inside. I’m Cherise Bradshaw, Ty’s mother,” She said to Rocker. “You must join us for brunch. My son made a lovely spread while we entertained Scarlett. She mentioned you served with her. Thank you for your service.”
Scarlett listened intently.
“Thank you, ma’am. I came to see Scarlett,” Rocker said, sounding a bit uncomfortable.
“Come right on in. She’s at the table finishing her quiche. Ty, grab another plate and scoop out some of those lovely potatoes and beef tips for Rocker.” They moved into the kitchen and toward her.
Scarlett smiled, hoping to put Rocker at ease. “Hi. You’ve got to try this Caprese salad. It’s so much better than the stuff Parrot made us.”
“May I speak with you alone?” Rocker asked on edge.
“Not until you sit and have a bite to eat while it’s still piping hot.
I’ll help my son with the dishes while you two have a pleasant visit.
Scarlett said you flew here. I hope you didn’t have a long flight.
I detest waiting at the airport. The security lines get longer and longer, and flights get delayed almost every single time. ”
Ty dropped a bowl in front of Rocker and sat. The tension at the table could be cut with a knife.
“No ma’am. The flight went by fast. Security at the airport seems laughable,” Rocker grumbled.
“Right? I said the same thing. Half the time, TSA agents get distracted by passengers bringing in items like sealed bags of chips or candles made from sand. I imagine they put up with a lot of shi—I mean bull from a lot of entitled passengers. It’s not a job I’d relish,” Ty spoke up.
“Me, either. It never fails, I get stuck in a line with someone who can’t find their ID, doesn’t want to remove their shoes when the scanner goes off, and has six kids they can’t control,” Rocker said, relaxing.
“Or the person who wants to argue about taking a pocket knife on board after they read seven signs leading up to the scanner,” Ty chimed in.
Rocker shook his head. “Exactly. Dang, these taste good. Don’t you own the restaurant in town?”
“I did. With the fire, I’m temporarily shut down,” Ty said, his voice sounding calmer.
“I apologize for not recognizing you. I worried about Scarlett after hearing about what happened,” Rocker said apologetically.
“He looks different without his chef’s jacket,” Scarlett quipped.
“You’re wearing a nice-sized black and blue necklace there, Sassy Pants,” Rocker chimed in.
“I let down my guard. I thought Sledge returned home,” Scarlett confessed.
“We’ll talk about this later,” Rocker said. “May I have a slice of quiche?”
“Of course,” Cherise said, passing it to him. “Do you like lemon cake? Ty made an entire cake to send home with me. Will you help me eat it?”
“You won’t have to twist my arm, ma’am,” Rocker said.
“Ty made me a chocolate lava cake. I think he’s found my kryptonite,” Scarlett said, finishing her meal. “How’s Sledge?”
“He’s tired and weak but seems worried about you. This team doesn’t seem to have a clue about what they’re doing,” he muttered.
“Leo works by the book. He doesn’t have jurisdiction to arrest someone,” Ty said, taking offense.
“Why didn’t they have eyes on this guy?” Rocker shot back. “Some SEAL team. No wonder they’re retired.”
“Those men will risk their lives for the people in this town,” Ty seethed. “You don’t know them. I suggest you keep your opinion to yourself.”
“Rocker,” Scarlett growled. “Leo and his men rushed to my aid after Sledge got shot. They took care of me.”